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Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli jails launch a mass hunger strike in protest against their conditions Monday April 17,2017

Hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli jails launched a hunger strike on Monday April 17,2017 following a call from leader and prominent prisoner Marwan Barghouti, a movement that could mark a serious challenge to Israeli authorities if sustained.

The hunger strike was called for in connection with Palestinian Prisoners Day, observed annually, but also ahead of commemorations this summer marking 50 years since the 1967 Six Day War and the start of Israel's occupation.

Hunger strikes by Palestinian prisoners occur regularly, but rarely on such a large scale.

A series of protests were also being held in Palestinian cities in connection with prisoners day.

Barghouti's call for the strike has given it added credibility, with the 57-year-old serving five life sentences over his role in the violent second Palestinian intifada.

Some 6,500 Palestinians are currently detained by Israel for a range of offences and alleged crimesThe hunger strike was called for in connection with Palestinian Prisoners Day, observed annually. Palestinian family members hold pictures of their relative, jailed in Israeli prisons, in the West Bank town of Ramalla as part of Palestinian Prisoners Day